Auto body and frame straightening device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is provided to apply pulling forces from any direction from any elevation around a vehicle being repaired and/or serviced. The apparatus is arranged so personnel using it are concerned with minimal physical lifting movements and minimal setup arrangements of the apparatus. Each embodiment of the apparatus utilizes at least one tower assembly equipped with an elongating subassembly to move a tension member, through directional change devices, as it remains secured to some portion of a vehicle, thereby undergoing at least one repositioning pull in a direction opposite to at least one prior force that previously caused some of the damage and/or misalignment. Depending on the magnitude of the restoring force required, the tower, other towers, and/or other structures may be secured together and/or to the vehicle as well, to create a firm basis for anchoring the apparatus and/or the vehicle as one or more reactive forces are controllably created. Depending on the anticipated use of the apparatus and the capital expenditures to be made, the apparatus is made available in different embodiments, ranging from a sole location of a tower to multiple locations of several towers related to overall reactive structures and/or vehicle ramps serving as mutual multiple holding or anchoring places of forces applied to the vehicle, as the elongating subassemblies of the towers are moved to create the restorative pulling forces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending applicationSer. No. 810,940 filed: Mar. 27, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,066. Thisapplication further includes subject matter divided from said copendingapplication.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Present apparatus known to be available for correcting misalignment ofvehicles and for returning frame and body members of vehicles back totheir predamage locations, as such services are performed by personnelin body shops and other service and repair shops, are not convenientlyset up and operated to meet the demands of personnel in various sizerepair shops. This invention is offered in multiple embodiments to meetdifferent requirements of cost, convenience and service of many shopswherein personnel are seeking better apparatus to more economicallyperform their realignment and body repair services.

The apparatus known to be available prior to this invention, requiredpersonnel using it to make many lifts of heavy and/or awkward componentsunder awkward footing and overhead conditions during time consumingsetup periods. This was necessary to try to place components in variouswanted positions, many not being directly obtainable, where theresulting pulling forces would be applied most advantageously to restorevehicle frames and bodies to their originally designed positions. Whereprior attempts were made to obtain a greater range of pulling andanchoring locations, the resulting apparatus was often complex, large,costly, and inconvenient to manipulate, and moreover, often requiringspecial building configurations such as higher overhead space and/orfloor pits.

In contrast, this invention, in its various embodiments, to be selecteddepending on the anticipated volume of such repairs to be undertaken andthe capital funds available, is provided so personnel may convenientlyand quickly arrange the apparatus to pull on a vehicle frame and/or bodyin the most advantageous direction at one or more locations. As businessgrows, the offered embodiments are conveniently and economicallyincreased in capacity by acquiring components of other embodiments.Moreover at all times with respect to all personnel, straining,overtiring and dangerous situations are avoided.

SUMMARY

Apparatus for returning vehicle body and frame components to theiroriginal locations during repair and servicing of vehicles is providedin various embodiments, each centering on the use of one or more towersor pedestals including a length changing subassembly as the basis ofcreating a restorative force applied in a selected direction to returnone or more vehicle components to their original designed relativelocation. The apparatus in all its embodiments: simplifies body andframe straightening operations; permits simple hookups for fastercorrection to damage at any point on a vehicle; reverses the damagesequencing of the wrecked car for a faster and more accurate body and/orframe correction; allows more freedom for workmen who do not have tomove over or under any supporting beams or other structures; eliminatesheavy lifting by personnel; pulls in any desired angular direction; fitsin minimum amount of space; sets up in buildings with low ceilings;complies with equipment specifications presented by both small shop,medium and large shop operators; requires no pit but may be used inconjunction with one; needs no special surrounding building.

DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1, including location designations noted respectively asSUBSECTIONS A, B, C & D, is a side elevation, with some portions brokenaway for illustrative purposes, of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus being used to create restorative forces applied to the vehicleshown;

FIG. 2, is a partial side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1positioned to receive a vehicle which is electively either drivenforward on to the apparatus or backed on depending on where and how thevehicle is damaged;

FIG. 3, is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,indicating, however, only the placement of the frame and some of thewheels of a vehicle;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, indicate partially sectioned respective side, endand top views, of a body gripping clamp used particularly where onlybody portions and not heavier frame portions are available to receive arestoring force;

FIG. 4, is a partial cross section view of the embodiment of FIG. 1indicating structure, arrangement, and operation of apparatus withrespect to one tower, its force creating accessorries and itsmultiposition attachment to other towers and their common attachedsupporting and servicing structures;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, indicate partially sectioned views relatedspecifically to FIG. 4 and more respectively to: adjustable heightaccessories secured to a tower and used in determining the elevation ofa direct pulling force; some of the hydraulic accessories viewed atright angles with respect to their view in FIG. 4; and some of the crosssection structure of the radially positioned beam or arm structuresupporting the tower;

FIG. 5, is a view, primarily in section, taken along the lines 5--5 ofFIG. 3, indicating the raised position of the rail or ramp subassembliesand both their actuating accessories and safety brace accessories, asall appear when a vehicle is lifted into a horizontal position forundergoing repairs;

FIG. 5A, is a partial sectional view related to FIG. 5, indicating how acontrol is located to operate hydraulic accessories used in raising therails or ramps near or at their ends that are conveniently lowered toreceive a vehicle and thereafter raised to position the vehiclehorizontally while repairs are undertaken.

FIG. 6, is a top view of another embodiment indicating how radiallypositioned towers are used with their respective rails or ramps whichare secured to building floors and/or to other tower and rampsubassemblies to provide many, but not all, of the operationaladvantages of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8, partial top views, indicates how towers shown in FIG. 6used with their respective rails or ramps, which are movable orretractable casters, are conveniently positioned to apply restorativeforces;

FIG. 9 is a partial elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, withsome portions removed, illustrating the semipermanent longitudinal floormounting of one tower and ramp or rail subassembly and a movablecross-positioned tower and ramp or rail subassembly;

FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view, with most positions shown insection, indicating multiple radial positioning and securing of thetower shown in FIG. 6 with respect to its associated ramp or rail;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of how a tower shown in FIG. 6 with its castersupported ramp or rails is combined with wheel alignment ramp or railsto increase the capacity of such alignment apparatus by providing easilyadjustable restorative force equipment with it, making the resultingoverall apparatus very useful in accurately and quickly returning allportions of a vehicle frame to their original specified relativelocations;

FIG. 12 is a partial side elevational view of the combined tower, itsramp or rails, and alignment ramp or rails as shown in plan view in FIG.11, indicating how the tower is conveniently moved into position;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view, partially in section, indicating how aseparate tower or a pedestal may be removably and rotatably placed in aground or floor sleeve;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a different embodiment of towers, equippedwith other adjustment components and guide rail riding accessories totravel about a track positioned where a vehicle is to be repaired; and

FIG. 15 is an elevational view, partially in section, indicating how anembodiment of FIG. 14 is specifically arranged with an overhead guiderail for moving the towers, where positioning rails or ramps aresupported in a pit structure to receive a damaged vehicle.

.[.FIG. 16 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the treadways ofFIG. 3..].

.[.FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 17--17 of FIG.16..].

.[.FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21 shown alternative construction for thetreadway of FIG. 16..].

.[.FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the type of holding device by means ofwhich a tension or compression force can be applied to the platformassembly..].

.[.FIGS. 23A and 23B are plan and elevation views respectively of asmall fastening device by means of which the embodiment of FIG. 22 canbe positioned at any height in the platform assembly..].

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introduction to all Embodiments

Throughout all embodiments, the purpose is to provide apparatus that isquickly, safely and conveniently utilized to create one or morerestorative forces which create, in reverse, the forces originallycausing damage and/or misalignment. The embodiments of apparatus areoffered to meet the operational and economic specifications of allpersons so engaged in various sized shops as a part of the overallautomotive servicing industry.

In shops that do a large volume of frame and body alignments and anoccasional front end alignment, the machine shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3is ideal. For shops that are limited for space, finances or both, thatdesire to have the convenience of their own frame equipment, the machineshown in FIG. 6 is very suitable. In shops of all sizes the portablemachine in FIGS. 7 and 12 is ideal for smaller alignment jobs that donot need to be placed on the heavier frame equipment. If shops do alarge volume of front-end alignments and an occasional frame and bodyalignment job, the machine in FIG. 11 is ideal. When the Unit 200 is notneeded on the front-end machine, it is used as a portable frame and bodyalignment machine on smaller jobs that do not need to go on the rack.When one or more of these 200 units are united as shown in FIG. 11, youhave a complete body and frame alignment system, capable of handlingmajor frame and body alignment jobs. FIG. 14 shows another type ofmachine for large or specialized shops, utilizing the invention featuresfor greater economy and better tie-downs. In shops pushing for maximumvolumes, the tower subassembly shown in FIG. 13 is very handy. Thesepull towers are installed in strategic locations all over the shop, forquick and easy pulls when needed.

In respect to all these embodiments, most of the following objectivesare met: installation is made within a normal one stall area withoutaltering a building or without requiring any special wiring or plumbingbeyond a standard electrical plug and a compressed air outlet; a vehicleis tied down, pushed or pulled at any angle or height, with ample powerto bend any part of the vehicle without the use of heat or timeconsuming, back-breaking labor; all hookups are made, including manytie-down hookups, by an operator from a standing position, withoutlifting any heavy, awkward handling attachments or having to climb overor under any supporting beams; any good body man can operate theapparatus without receiving an extensive amount of instruction, theapparatus does not become a permanently fixed part of the building, onceit is installed; the apparatus does not require handling of heavy jacksor components; the apparatus is capable of pushing or pulling from onedirection or several directions at one time; the apparatus is designedto eliminate practically all physical strenuous lifting stooping andsquatting labor; operational capabilities of the apparatus is limitedonly by the operator's imagination; the apparatus is capable of applyingpower from exactly the same angle of least resistance; the apparatus issimple enough to use throughout the range from a minor bumper alignmentjob to a major frame and body alignment job; the apparatus is used forfront end alignments; etc.

In reference to using the apparatus of most embodiments, proceduresfollowed are: position a vehicle on or near the apparatus oriented sothe maximum of damaged portions of the vehicle is adjacent the range ofmultiple positions of the towers and then tie or secure the vehicle tothe rails or ramps; move towers to the desired angular positions andsecure them to the rails or ramps; place hooks and/or clamps of therespective chains or other tensioning members to the damaged portions ofthe vehicle and position the elevation determining accessories to guidethese tensioning members as they are passed on to the respective tops ofthe towers for securing there or over and back down to a more convenientsecuring location; and operate the controls to elongate the towerscreating the restorative forces used in pulling out the damaged vehiclecomponents to their original or near original design relative locations.

Embodiment Shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, Elongatable Towers RadiallyAdjusted About a Pedestal to Inclinable Hold Down Ramps

In FIG. 1, a vehicle or car is shown positioned on the apparatus ormachine using a selected few hookups from among many that are available.Regardless of where the damage is on the vehicle or in what directionthe damage occurred, it is possible to pull it back in line from thesame angle the damage occurred. By pulling at the damage from the sameangle as the point of impact, the metals have much less resistance,permitting a much faster, more accurate alignment job, almost completelyeliminating the use of heat, for straightening of critical parts,avoiding changes in the temper in metals causing weak spots or breakage.

The three pull towers 5 are adjustable to pull from any directiondesired. To move any tower, simply unscrew bolt 13 (See FIG. 4), pushtower around to the desired angle and reinstall bolt 13 and plate 14.Hook pull chain to damaged area and hookup is complete. With three pulltowers adjustable to pull at any height or angle, the frame and body ofthe damaged vehicle are all pulled back into alignment in the sameoperation, rather than pulling one and then the other, by pulling boththe frame and body at just the right angle and height. Such pulling cutsdown on the resistance, resulting in a much faster and better job.Construction of these pull towers allows the use of much larger andlonger actuating cylinders, that do not have to be handled by hand.

SUBSECTION A shows the tie-down at front of car. SUBSECTION B shows thetie-down further back on car. SUBSECTION C shows the tie-down forpulling from the pull towers. While pull tower movement is stretchingframe, auxiliary jack .[.44.]. .Iadd.45 .Iaddend.applies pressureupwardly to the frame.

The series of cross-members in each rail 9 provides a ready place fortie-downs at any angle or point on the rails 9, regardless of angledesired, as shown in SUBSECTIONS A, B, & C. Also there is no problemfinding a spot to set jacks 45 on rail assembly 9, for pushing up onbody or frame or both, as shown in SUBSECTION D.

The entire machine is mounted on a pedestal 3, hinged from the floor andsecured by lag-screws. The pedestal 3 is also an axis for the pulltowers 5, permitting the towers 5 to be positioned for pulls from anydesired angle. The hydraulic pump 55 is mounted inside the pedestal 3,for both protection and convenience. Pump 55 is activated by remotecontrol 49. Pump 55 is easily removable from pedestal 3 for servicing.

In FIG. 2, the apparatus or machine, is shown lowered at one endcompletely tilting it to receive a vehicle, not shown without usingremovable ramps. In order to lower it, a safety stand 69 must first bepulled and pivoted from its upright position which is automaticallytaken when the apparatus is tilted back up to its horizontal position.In such elevated horizontal position, any vehicle raised by theapparatus is sufficiently high so no pit volume in the building isneeded below the vehicle being repaired.

In FIG. 3, the apparatus or machine, is shown in a top view toillustrate the almost unlimited number or tie-down or anchoringlocations available along rail assemblies 9. Also indicated are themultiple radial positions of the pull towers 5. As shown, the towers 5are applying power in three different directions at one time. Also, theauxiliary jack 45 is pushing on a short link in the frame of the vehicleforcing it to bend in the desired location or spot. There is no losttime or heavy lifting in making hookups, since the pull towers 5 stayrigged for action at all times. The auxiliary cylinder 45 is a standard10-ton body jack, hooked into the hydraulic system on the machine to beused as shown in SUBSECTION D and FIG. 3.

Rail assemblies 9 consists or a series of single beams 10 on edge,welded to a series of cross-members 11. The two rail assemblies aremounted on two main cross-members 15 which are welded to the pedestal 3,and they are also mounted on one cross-member 16 at the rear of themachine. The lift device is also fastened to the rear cross-member 16.The advantage of fabricating the rail assemblies 9 in this manner is thecreation of spaces between the beams and regular spacings ofcross-members 11, making it a very simple operation to tie any vehicleto a rail assembly 9, regardless of angle or location required by eachrepair job.

Throughout the utilization of all apparatus of the various embodiments,special body clamps are provided and often used. Some cars do not haveframes and it is very difficult at times to find a place suitable fortying the car down, in order to pull as hard as necessary at times,without causing damage to an undamaged part of the car. However, usuallyon a unitized body, there is a small flange on the lower part of thebody sill, that is a suitable tie-down location, provided you haveclamps capable of holding on to this small flange. These clamps of FIGS.3A, 3B, and 3C are designed for this purpose and they are very simple touse. The clamp, placed in position, bolt 152 and nut 153 are tightenedsnugly to hold clamp unitl pressure is applied. The chain is hooked inthe space provided in part 150 and, as pressure is applied, part 150slips back on parts 151, sinking teeth into the body flange. The harderthe pull, the tighter the squeeze. It will not slip.

In FIGS. 4 and 4C, portions are broken away to indicate construction ofpull tower asemblies 5, pedestal assemblies 3, the hydraulic systemleading to and departing from hydraulic pump 55, and the locking devices13/111 to keep pull towers 5 in their respective selected radialpositions. There are two pull tower lock systems shown. The pin system111, is the most desirable of the two. The hydraulic cylinder 57, etc.,is tucked inside the pull tower poles 113. This enables the use oflarge, long cylinders and leaves the hookup ready to use at all timeswithout any handling of jacks, heavy attachments, etc. The only settingup required is to adjust the height of pull and angle, merely by settingidler assembly 101 to the desired spot on the pull tower pole 113. Thispull tower pole may be attached to many other types of frame machinesnot shown improving them considerably and it may be mounted in the floorof a shop to provide a ready pull facility when needed on minor bodyrepair jobs.

In FIGS. 4 and 4A and in all embodiments, an idler assembly 101 for eachpull tower 113 is adjustable to any desired height and angle. Set screw124 holds idler assembly 101 at the desired location until pressure fromcylinder 57 is applied. As chain 102 is pulled, a resulting upward forceon one side of idler assembly 101 creates a binding action between itand tower pole 113. The harder the pull, the tighter this gripping orbinding action becomes thereby holding idler assembly 101 at the properheight and angle throughout the entire pulling operation utilized topull out damaged portions of a vehicle.

In FIGS. 4 and 4B, the hydraulic system is illustrated. After a vehicleis in place, the lift assembly shown in FIG. 5, is raised to thatposition as a valve type 41 located adjacent to it is opened. After theapparatus or machine is leveled, this valve is closed. Thereafter, othervalves 41 controlling fluid flow to other cylinders are selectivelyopened and closed to cause movement under pressure while adjustments aremade to others. One or more hydraulic cylinders may be regulated whilekeeping pressure on all thoses that previously received hydraulic liquidunder pressure. A central pump 55, driven by an electrical motor or acompressed air motor, selectively supplies hydraulic fluid underpressure through these various valves 41 to actuators 44, 45 and thoseactuators referred to as pull tower cylinders 57.

Although a hydraulic system is shown and described, compressed airactuators and mechanical actuators may also be used.

In regard to this embodiment presented in FIGS. 1 through 5, thefollowing numerals identify the following parts in reference to thespecific groupings indicated:

Hydraulic Components and Related Components

40 Hydraulic hose to pull towers; 41 Control Valves; 42 Bracket fastenscontrol valve to machine; 42 Clips to secure hydraulic hose; 44hydraulic cylinder, operating lift apparatus; 45 auxiliary jack, coupledinto the hydraulic system; 46 Nipple (body jack); 47 attachments (bodyjack); 48 Remote control line; 49 remote control switch; 50 Body jackattachments; 51 Hydraulic hose to lift cylinder; 52 Hydraulic hose toauxiliary body jack; 53 Hydraulic line junction box; 54 hydraulic hoseto pump assembly; 55 Hydraulic pump (air driven or electric); 56 Platesupporting pump assembly and junction box; and 57 pull tower cylinder.

Lift and Stand Assembly--1

60 Bracket holding Hydraulic Cylinder 44; 61 Pins; 62 Brackets; 63 Upperarms; 64 Lower arms; 65 Shaft (cylinder pushes on this shaft to raisemachine); 66 Mounting bracket (fastened to floor); 67 Mounting bracketleg screws (fastens lift assembly to floor); 68 Bracket; 69 Leg stand;70 Jam nut; 71 Leg Bolt; 72 Shaft; 73 Stop; and 74 Brace.

Tie-Down Attachments

80 Tie-down or pull hook with chain hook slot for fast chain adjustment;81 Tie-down chain; 83 Tie-down or pull hook; 83 Tie-down or pull hook;84 Pull plates; 85 Shackles with chain hook slots (for fast adjustments)86 Bolts (usually bumper bolts); 87 Chain hooks.

Pull Tower Assembly 5

101 Idler assembly; 102 Pull chains; 103 Upper push rod cap with chainhook slot for chain adjustments; 104 Guide flange for holding pull chainin center of Push rod; 105 push rod (Movable up and down and will turn360°) 106 weld on pull plate; 107 Pull chain hook; 108 Holes for boltsor pins (for hooking pull towers into position) 109 Sleeve (used withpins 111); 110 Nut (if bolts 13 are used); 111 Pin for securing pulltower; 112 Spacer flange secured to pin 111; 113 pull tower pole; 114Upper part of pull tower pole brace; 115 Gussets (pull tower pole Brace)116 Bar (welded inside of pull tower pole 113); 117 Flange (secured tocylinder 57 to keep cylinder centered); 118 Lower push rod cap; 119Upper part of pull tower beam; 120 Lower part of pull tower beam; 121Inner brace (pull tower beam welded to 119-120-122 and 122 End plate(Pull tower beam).

Idler Assembly 101

123 Collar; 124 Thumb set screw; 125 Pin; 126 Bracket; 127 Idler pulley;and 128 Brace.

Rail Assembly 9

10 Beams in main rails; 11 Cross-members in rails; 12 End cross members;13 Anchor bolts or pins to secure pull tower to rails; 14 Plate orwashers under bolts 13; 15 Main cross members, supporting rails, weldedto pedestal; 16 Rear cross member, supporting rail assembly lift device;17 upper section of cross member 16; and 18 Movable cross member,(Movable between rails).

Pedestal Assembly 3

20 Pedestal; 21 Bracket; 22 Collar; 23 Flange collar, welded to Pedestal20; 24 Mounting bracket; 25 Mounting Shaft, welded to Pedestal 20 andFlange 23; and 26 Door (Pump assembly lifts out through this door forservice).

Body Clamps

150 Clamp housing can be fabricated or forged; 151 Wedges with teethattached; 152 Bolt; and 153 Nut.

Car Body B Car Frame F Other Embodiments Based on Pedestal RadiallyAdjusted Elongatable Towers of FIGS. 1 through 5.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 shown one central pedestal 20, two pedestals oneon each side of a vehicle location may be used. Also one pedestal at thefront and one at the back of each vehicle location may be used. Sucharrangements are dependent on the requirement for even greaterconvenience in effecting repairs. Where more pedestals are to be usedgenerally additional facilities such as pits or ramps are included inthe overall building.

Embodiments Shown in FIGS. 6 through 12, Elongatable Towers RadiallyAdjusted About a Pivot Pin Mounting Secured to Either a Fixed PositionHold Down Ramp or a Movable Hold Down Ramp and Used Together

As first observed in FIG. 6, as assembly 175 is preferably installed inthe center of a bay of a body shop and secured to the floor provide anembodiment of the invention at a lower cost but retaining many of thefeatures. If damage is on left side of car, the car is driven onassembly 175 as shown in FIG. 6. If damage is on the right side of car,the right side of the car is placed on the assembly 175. The pull toweron assembly 175 is movable as indicated, allowing pulls from severalangles. There are unlimited tie-down spaces on rail assembly, Regardlessof the shape of a frame or body, there is a tie-down space in the railthat will line up, to pull straight on the car or frame or in any angledesired. By tying a car to the rails in the desired spots and thereafteroperating the pull towers and their hydraulic systems repairs arecommenced.

When assembly 200 is used with assembly 175, you have a very versatileframe and body alignment machine, enabling pulls from any point aroundthe vehicle at heights desired. Assembly 200 is movable along assembly175 as indicated in FIG. 6. Also, assembly 200 is used on the oppositeside of assembly 175, as shown in FIG. 8. By using assemblies 175 and200 it is possible to pull at any point completely around the vehicle.In FIG. 7 asembly 200 is being used as a portable apparatus or machine,movable to any other stall or location desired. The pull tower onassembly 200 is also movable, as indicated, making it possible to pullat several angles without resetting the machine. When using unit 200 asa portable, the weight of the car is placed directly on the machine torest firmly on blocks 203 that are then directly on the floor.

There are many advantages gained in using this portable unit 200, suchas the operation of movable pull tower, the wide variety of tie-downspaces available, and the way the weight of the car is directly on themachine, holding it much more firmly in place throughout the pullingoperation. Also, a detachable or sliding extension can be added to therail assembly, if desired. In FIG. 8, the assembly 200 is being used onopposite side of assembly 175. In FIG. 9, unit 200 is rolled underassembly 175 using the caster assembly. In FIG. 10, portions are cutaway to view the construction of the pull tower beams, which arefabricated to fit on both sides of rail 9, to prevent any twist whenmaking angle pulls.

In FIG. 11, a front-end alignment machine is indicated in part toillustrate how one or more portable assemblies or units 200 are used tocreate a better front-end alignment machine. It is also then a very goodframe and body alignment machine, and also often a very fine portableframe machine. For shops growing in business and capital, the machineand/or apparatus shown in FIG. 11 may be purchased, for example, inthree orders over a reasonable period of time. As additional portableassemblies or units 200 are purchased, they are also conveniently rolledunder portions of a front-end machine, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Embodiment Shown in FIG. 13, Pull Towers Secured to Shop Floors andYards

On many occasions it is very desirable to have a ready pull tower forquick, easy pulls to align fender, hoods, bumpers, inner panels andframe horns, that normally would be too small to place on a frame rackor go to a lot of trouble rigging up a portable machine or body jacks.For maximum efficiency for these small alignment jobs, pull towers, asshown in FIG. 13, are mounted in the floor in strategic positions ineach stall. When used with some well secured floor anchor plates, it ispossible to align major body and frame alignment jobs with these pulltowers. When sleeves 226 are embedded in shop floor, pull tower assemblycan be moved from one location to another. Also, these pull towers couldbe positioned in the yards of shops.

Embodiments Shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, Pull Towers Movably Secured toRails, Etc.

Where a high volume of severely damaged vehicles are being repaired, theembodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are used. Pull towers are movedabout on guiding rails that encircle the working bay area. A pit may andmay not be used. Where pull towers are high, tension members, such aschains, are guided over their tops through idlers 258 and down again forsecuring in chain slots on collars 262. These collars 262 bind on posts113 when hydraulic pressure created forces cause upward tower movements.

Additional Parts Used in Assemblies 175 and 200

176 Bracket, securing assembly 175 to floor, two required; 201 Pin,securing pull tower assembly to rail assembly; 202 Caster assembly; 203Blocks, to support machine when Casters are compressed; 204 Stop,adjustable along top side of rail assembly, not needed except when Unit175 and 200 are used together; 205 any suitable pump assembly; 206 Pin,securing upper and lower rail assemblies when used together; 207 CasterBracket; 208 Caster spring; 209 Caster spring housing; 210 Stop orwasher; 211 Caster Wheel and Fork Assembly; 212 Bushing; 215 Upperplate; pull tower beam; 216 Gusset; 217 Center plate, pull tower beam;218 Lower plate, pull tower beam; 220 Front-end alignment turn tables;221 Bracket assembly supporting machine; 225 Flange or stop; 226 Sleeveembedded in floor; 250 Structural frame assembly; 251 Lower Support Bar;252 Rail support assembly; 253 Upper and Lower track assemblies; 254Upper roller; 225 Upper roller pin; 256 Upper pull tower bracket; 257Push rod Idler bracket; 258 Push rod idler; 259 Lock pin spring; 260Lock pin; 261 Lock pin pull rope; 262 Pull chain adjustment collar; 263Anchor Brackets; 264 Lower rollers; 265 Lower pull tower bracket; 266Lower lock pin; and 267 Lower roller bushing.

SUMMARY OF ADVANTAGES

The apparatus selected in one or more of its embodiments performs theversatile function of pulling damaged parts in directions reversed fromthose causing such damage. The metals, without heating, are pulled backto their originally specified relative locations or at least within theoriginal factory designated tolerances. Depending on the volume andnature of jobs to be undertaken in a shop, the apparatus may beincreased in size, function and capacity with added components beingadaptable with no change or minor changes to previously acquiredapparatus.

Throughout all components, the utilization of the pulling towers andtheir conveniently arranged selective positioning and hold-downaccessories, results in quick and accurate setups requiring no liftingnor awkward stances or manipulations on the part of anyone in a shop whois repairing a vehicle.

.[.DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS.].

.[.FIG. 16 illustrates in plan view an improved embodiment of thetreadways of the platform system of FIG. 3. It is comprised of aplurality of longitudinal elements 322A, 322B, 322C . . . 322N. Theseare attached in side-by-side parallel arrangements so as to provide atop and a bottom surface member, both of which are plane and parallel toeach other, with a corresponding plurality of vertical supports or ribs,supporting the spaced apart surface members. There are a plurality ofopenings 326A, 326B, 326C . . . 326N in a two-dimensional array ofpositions. These generally comprise rectangular openings in the topsurface member and the bottom surface member, whereby the pairs ofopenings are in alignment along an axis perpendicular to the surface ofthe treadway. While rectangular openings have been illustrated, it willbe clear that circular openings can equally well be used. The purpose ofthese openings will be explained more fully in relation to FIG. 22A..].

.[.The principle improvement of this invention lies in the use of aplane, rigid platform, composed of two treadways upon which a vehiclecan be placed in order to be operated on by the force-applicationapparatus of this invention. The important part is that all forcesapplied to the object (or vehicle) are applied between the vehicle andthe platform system. The system is designed to be sufficiently rigid sothat no other anchoring means for forces applied to the vehicle arerequired. The treadways are designed not only to support the vehicle butalso to provide a plurality of openings by means of which hooks,fixtures, rods, etc., can be quickly inserted into or removed from anyone of the plurality of openings to provide anchoring means throughwhich forces can be applied between the vehicle and the treadways..].Although various means of applying forces, such as hydraulic rams, etc.,can be used, an important part of this invention encompasses the use ofthe vertical pull towers which are attached to the platform system bymeans of arms which are pivotally connected to the system, so that thetower can be swung into various positions and locked therein so that thedirection of application of the pulling force of the tower can beadjusted as desired.

.[.The essential feature of the treadways is that they be plane andrigid and have a multitude of openings, the axis of which areperpendicular to the plane of the treadway. The construction can be oneof many. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates one way in which the treadwaycan be constructed. It shows a cross section across one treadway takenalong the line 17--17 of FIG. 16. There are a plurality of I beams 322A,322B, . . . 322N which are placed in longitudinal parallel contiguouspositions and are welded along their touching edges 324 to provide arigid slab construction which comprises an upper surface 323 and a lowersurface 325 which are both plane and parallel to each other and spacedapart by the width of the central ribs of the I beams. Either before orafter the I beams are welded to form the treadway, rectangular openings326A, 326B, 326C . . . 326N are cut into the flanges of the I beams,one-half out of each of the adjacent flanges. As shown in FIG. 16, whenthe I beams are welded together along the edges 324 the line of theedges will be a center line for the opening 326..].

.[.The use of the I beams to provide not only the stiffening ribs butalso the top and bottom surfaces, which form the treadway as shown inFIG. 17, is a preferred embodiment. However, it is possible also asshown in FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21 to construct a rigid treadway by othermeans..].

.[.Referring now to FIG. 18 the treadway can be constructed by usingseparate steel plates 332 and 334 which are spaced apart and attached tolongitudinal vertical metal strips 330 such as by welds 336 and 338.Prior to assembly, the openings 326 are cut into the two plates 332 and334, such as, for example, by superimposing the two plates and by meansof a torch burning through the two plates to form rectangular openings326. Of course, these openings can be rectangular or circular. Also theycan be punched through the plates as is well known in the art. Thevertical spacing-ribs 330 are then welded to the bottom plate such as336. The assembly is then turned over on top of a top plate and the ribs330 are then welded to the plate 334 producing welds such as 38. In thiscase the welding rod can be applied through the openings 326 to applythe welds between the vertical strips and the plates 334..].

.[.FIG. 19 represents another embodiment of the construction of thetreadway of FIG. 16. This utilizes a plurality of rectangular tubes 365placed in a longitudinal, parallel, contiguous relation with twochannels 366 one on either side, all welded together along the corners324. This construction not only provides the top and bottom surfaces butalso provides a large number of perpendicular ribs to provide thestiffening required. In this case, the openings 326 are cut through thetop and bottom surfaces of the rectangular channels..].

.[.FIG. 20 illustrates still another construction in which a pluralityof steel channel sections 368 are placed parallel to each other andspaced apart. Short rectangular blocks 370 are placed between theflanges of the channels 368 and the two end channels 336 so as toprovide openings 326A, 326B, . . . 326N between the flanges of thechannels for a selected length. The small blocks 370 are welded to theflanges of the channels along the edges 374, as indicated..].

.[.FIG. 21 shows still another embodiment of the construction of thetreadway of FIG. 16. This uses a top and bottom plate (only the bottomof which, 332 is shown). Two angle sections 366 are used as in FIGS. 19and 20. Openings 326 are cut into the bottom plate 332 as in FIG. 18 andshort lengths of tubing 376 are placed over all or part of the openings326, and are welded to the plate 332 as in FIG. 18. The internaldimensions of the rectangular tubing is somewhat larger than the size ofthe openings 326 so that a hook or other device can be inserted into theopening and have a lip against which it can pull, without interferingwith the tubing section welded around the opening. After the portions oftubing 376 are welded to the plate 332 as are the longitudinal channelsections 366, the top plate is placed over the assembly and the openings326 which have previously been prepared in the top plate are lined upvertically with the openings 326 in the bottom plate and the assembly isclamped together, turned over, and the top plate is then welded to thesecond ends of the tubing sections..].

.[.It will be clear that there are a number of ways in which a rigidplane treadway system can be designed and constructed. It is importantthat whichever way is used that there be sufficient rigidity so that themaximum forces which will be applied to the treadway will not cause itto buckle or bend. Furthermore, the plurality of openings in the top andbottom surfaces are utilized in several different ways for theapplication of forces. In one way chains can be linked down one openingand up adjacent opening to provide a strong anchor to the treadway. Inother ways the chains or cables can be attached to hooks which areinserted into the openings and a third and important way in which theopenings can be utilized for anchoring purposes is illustrated in FIGS.22A, and 22B..].

.[.As shown in FIG. 22A, a post which may be a solid rectangularconstruction or a rectangular tubular construction of appropriatedimensions, so as to freely be inserted into the plurality of openings326 in the treadway can be used to apply compression or tension forcesto the vehicle or object to be worked on..].

.[.These posts 352 are inserted through the two openings in the top andbottom surfaces of the treadway and are held in any desired verticalposition by means of a locking clip 356. This is illustrated or in moredetail in FIGS. 23A and 23B. It comprises a rectangular opening 350 in astrip 356, which is slightly larger than the size of the post 352 so itcan easily slip up and down on the post. It has a short leg 360 bentsubstantially at right angles, so that when the post is in the properposition and the clip can be slipped over the post and pressed down tillthe leg 360 contacts the top surface. Further movement downward of thepost causes it to bind with the clip and be held in that positionwithout dropping further through the opening. The rectangular tubularpost 352 can be made long enough so that it can reach upwardly to pressagainst a bar frame, axle, or other portion of the frame of the vehicle.It is possible also to make one edge 354 of the rectangular tube extendupward beyond the top of the tubing 352 so that it can reach up intonarrow gaps between portions of the vehicle to apply the force that isrequired. Alternatively, bars of various cross sections can be insertedinto the tubing 352 to extend them to greater heights so that they maypress directly against the vehicle or serve to anchor a chain so that apull can be made against the bar 352, and from the bar to thetreadway..].

It will be clear that by the use of the rigid platform system of thisinvention the two or more opposing forces which are to be applied to theobject or vehicle on the platform are both anchored to portions of theplatform system. These may be inherent portions such as the openingsthrough the treadways. They may be other portions of the platformsystem, such as the vertical pull towers which are attached in a pivotalmanner. They may be still other structure, such as frames to which arepivotally attached vertical pull towers, these frames being removablyattached as desired, to the platform system. One such removablyattachable device is illustrated in FIG. 12. This is a frame supportedon casters which can be maneuvered into position under the platform andbolted thereto, the frame supporting a vertical pull tower. A pullingforce can be applied between the object and the pull tower, which forceis directly connected back from the pull tower, through the movablesubstructure to the platform system. It is clear also that the verticalpull towers which are pivoted to the platform system can be pivotallyattached to a central pedestal 20 of FIG. 1, if there is one, or to thetreadways as in FIG. 6, or to cross members as in FIG. 6, or toremovably attachable members as in FIG. 12. The important point is thatduring the pulling operation all forces are anchored directly orindirectly to the platform system. The platform system may includepermanently attached parts, and removably attached parts, which, for thepurpose of pulling are clamped to and are part of the platform system.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in thedetails of construction and the arrangement of components it isunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments set forth herein by way of exemplifying the invention, butthe invention is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claimor claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each elementor step thereof is entitled.

What is claimed:
 1. Apparatus for applying equal and opposite forces toa mechanical structure such as an automotive vehicle body or framecomprising:a. a platform system; b. means on said platform system forsupporting said structure; c. at least one vertical pull tower meanspivotally connected about a vertical axis fixed to said platform systemrotatably moveable to a desired position relative to said structure; d.means to vertically elongate said tower; e. means to connect a tensionmember between said vertically elongate means and a first portion ofsaid structure to apply a first force to said structure; and f. means toapply a second force between a second portion of said structure and saidplatform system.
 2. The apparatus as in claim 1 in which said platformsystem includes at least one treadway on which said structure issupported. .[.3. The apparatus as in claim 2 in which said treadwaycomprises a pair of plane, parallel spaced-apart plates, a plurality ofspaced elements between, fastened to and supporting said plates, whichcomprise top and bottom members of said treadway..]. .[.4. The apparatusas in claim 3 and including a plurality of pairs of openings in said topand bottom member, each pair of openings in alignment perpendicular tothe plane of said treadway..]. .[.5. The apparatus as in claim 4including cylindrical rigid beam means removably received in saidopenings..].
 6. The apparatus as in claim 2 including means to pivotallyconnect said pull tower to said treadway. .[.7. The apparatus as inclaim 1 in which said platform system includes a vertical pedestal, andincluding means to pivotally connect said pull tower to saidpedestal..].
 8. The apparatus as in claim 1 including means to lock saidpull tower to said platform system in said desired position.
 9. Theapparatus as in claim 1 in which said platform system means includesmeans to support said at least one treadway substantially in ahorizontal plane. .[.10. The apparatus as in claim 6 in which saidsupport means includes means by which said at least one treadway can betilted so as to form a ramp to receive said structure..].
 1. Theapparatus as in claim 1 in which said structure comprises a wheeledvehicle.
 12. The apparatus as in claim 1 in which said means tovertically elongate said tower is hydraulically actuable internally ofsaid tower.
 13. The apparatus as claim 1 in which tension member is achain or cable.
 14. The apparatus as in claim 1 in which said secondforce comprises a tensile force, and said apparatus includes tensionmeans connected between said second portion and said platform system.15. The apparatus as in claim 2 which said second force comprises acompression force .[.and said apparatus includes rigid means removablyattached to said second portion of said structure to resist its motionunder said first force.].. .[.16. The apparatus as in claim 15 in whichsaid rigid means comprises a cylindrical means removably received in anyone of a plurality of vertical openings in said treadway..]. .[.17. Theapparatus as in claim 15 including removable locking clip means toadjust the depth of insertion of said cylindrical means into saidopening..].
 18. The apparatus as in claim 2 including two treadwayssupported by a plurality of cross members in coplanar spaced-apartparallel relation. .[.19. The apparatus as in claim 18 including aplurality of pairs of openings in said cross members..].
 20. Theapparatus as in claim 1 including independent frame means removablyattached to said platform system, said pull tower means pivotallyattached to said frame means. .[.21. In an apparatus for applying equaland opposite forces to a mechanical structure including work platformand treadway means to support said structure, means to apply a pluralityof forces between at least one point on said structure and saidplatform, the improvement wherein each of a pair of treadwayscomprises:a. a pair of overlapping plane, parallel spaced-apart top andbottom plates; b. a plurality of spaced elements between, fastened toand supporting said plates; and c. a plurality of pairs of openings insaid top and bottom plates of said platform, said pairs of openings inalignment perpendicular to the plane of said platform..]. .[.22. Theapparatus as in claim 21 in which said spaced elements include aplurality of spaced-apart, parallel, longitudinal members..]. .[.23. Theapparatus as in claim 22 in which said longitudinal members comprise Ibeams in parallel spaced relation..]. .[.24. The apparatus as in claim22 in which said longitudinal members comprise strips in parallel spacedrelation, the planes of said strips perpendicular to said plates..]..[.25. The apparatus as in claim 22 in which said longitudinal memberscomprise channels in parallel spaced relation..]. .[.26. The apparatusas in claim 22 in which said longitudinal members comprise rectangulartubes in parallel spaced relation..]. .[.27. The apparatus as in claim21 in which said spaced elements comprise short lengths of cylinders ina two-dimensional array of positions over the area of said platform..]..[.28. The apparatus as in claim 21 including rigid cylindrical beammeans removably received in said openings..]. .[.29. The appartus as inclaim 28 including removable locking clip means to adjust the depth ofinsertion of said beam means in said openings..]. .[.30. The apparatusas in claim 28 in which said beam means are tubular and including rodmeans removably received in the central opening therein..]. .[.31. Theapparatus as in claim 21 in which said openings are rectangular inshape..]. .[.32. The apparatus as in claim 21 in which openings arecircular in shape..].
 33. Pull tower apparatus for use in a system forapplying forces to a mechanical structure such as an automotive vehiclebody or frame, comprising:a. a vertically supported housing meanscomprising a cylindrical tube; b. operating means comprising acylindrical means reciprocably and rotatably received in said housing;c. hydraulic actuator means inside said housing below said operatingmeans, one of a cylinder and piston end of said actuator supported bysaid housing, the other of said cylinder and piston end of said actuatorconnected to the bottom end of said operating means; d. a pull chain; e.means connected to said operating means to receive said pull chain; f.idler pulley means, to receive said chain, attached to a ring meansslidably and rotatably surrounding said housing and including means tolock said ring means to said housing; and g. means to support said pulltower means in a vertical position.
 34. The pull tower apparatus as inclaim 33 in which said support means comprises vertical socket means insaid system into which said housing is slidably received.
 35. The pulltower apparatus as in claim 33 in which said support means comprises armmeans hingedly supported by said system, said tower fastened to said armmeans.
 36. The pull tower apparatus of claim 33 in which said meansconnected to said operating means is an idler pulley and means to secureone end of said chain to said housing means.